Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents cited three Louisiana men for alleged hunting violations in St. Helena Parish on Feb. 12.
Agents cited Walter Prine, 20, of Denham Springs, Aaron Morris, 20, of Denham Springs, and Stefan Reynolds, 25, of Gonzales, for harvesting deer during a closed season, during illegal hours, from a moving vehicle, from a public road, possession of illegally taken deer and failing to follow deer tagging requirements.
After an investigation, agents learned that the three men were in the Kentwood area of St. Helena Parish between 12 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Feb. 1. During which time they shot and killed five deer from various roadways. The deer were then transported to a residence in Ascension Parish. Agents found that no effort was made to clean or butcher the deer.
Agents seized a 12-gauge shotgun in this case. Agents had to dispose of the deer since they were not fit for human consumption.
Harvesting a deer during a closed season and taking a deer during illegal hours each brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Possession of an illegally taken deer carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Hunting deer from a moving vehicle and failing to follow deer tagging requirements each brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Hunting from a public road carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail.
The men could also face civil restitution in excess of $8,000 for the illegally taken deer.
Agents involved in the case are Sgt. Randy Lanoux, Lt, Will Roberts, Senior Agent Ronnie Robbins and Sgt. Toby Miller.